Confident and happy woman feeling calm and relieved after anxiety, panic, or eating disorder therapy in Bergen County, NJ

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy in New Jersey

Are you curious about our therapy services, treatment approaches, or what to expect during your first visit? Our FAQ page provides clear answers to common questions about mental health therapy, including OCD, anxiety, and eating disorder treatment. Whether you’re located in Bergen County or anywhere in New Jersey, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your care.

  • I’m nervous to try therapy. I’ve never done it before—what should I expect?

    It’s completely normal to feel nervous about starting therapy. At Clear Light Therapy, we create a safe, supportive environment where your concerns are heard and respected. Your therapist will explain the process, answer your questions, and guide you step by step, starting at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Many clients find that simply taking the first step can bring a sense of relief and hope.

  • What is the best treatment for OCD in New Jersey?

    The most effective treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, a proven form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). At Clear Light Therapy in New Jersey, our licensed clinicians specialize in ERP and offer both in-person sessions in Bergen County and secure online therapy across New Jersey. ERP helps clients face fears safely while reducing compulsive behaviors, leading to long-term recovery.

  • Do you offer ERP therapy in Bergen County, NJ?

    Yes. Our Englewood, NJ office provides specialized ERP treatment for OCD to residents throughout Bergen County, including Englewood, Hackensack, Teaneck, Fort Lee, and nearby areas. Our office is conveniently located and accessible to clients across North Jersey.

  • Does ERP therapy work virtually in NJ?

    Absolutely. Online ERP therapy is highly effective and supported by research as equivalent to in-person care. We offer virtual OCD treatment throughout New Jersey, allowing clients to receive therapy from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

  • How long does OCD treatment usually take?

    The length of OCD therapy varies depending on symptom severity and therapy consistency. Many clients see improvement within 12–20 ERP sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support and maintenance sessions.

  • What’s the difference between ERP and regular talk therapy?

    Unlike traditional talk therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a structured, evidence-based treatment created specifically for OCD. Rather than only discussing fears, ERP helps clients gradually face them while resisting compulsions—reducing anxiety and promoting long-term change.

  • What happens during an ERP session?

    During an ERP session, you’ll work collaboratively with your therapist to identify fears, face them in a safe and controlled setting, and resist compulsions. This process helps weaken the OCD cycle and build tolerance to anxiety.

  • Do you treat eating disorders in New Jersey?

    Yes. Clear Light Therapy provides treatment for a range of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and disordered eating behaviors. Our approach combines compassion with evidence-based care.

  • What does eating disorder recovery look like?

    Recovery is unique for every individual. It often includes individual therapy, skills development, nutritional guidance, and coordination with medical professionals. Our goal is to help clients develop a healthy relationship with food, body image, and emotional well-being.

  • Do you offer eating disorder treatment in Bergen County, NJ?

    Yes. We serve clients across Bergen County—including Englewood, Tenafly, and Ridgewood—through in-person sessions and virtual therapy across New Jersey.

  • Do you collaborate with dietitians or physicians for eating disorder treatment?

    Yes. Our therapists often coordinate with dietitians, physicians, and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, whole-person care.

  • Do you take a Health at Every Size (HAES) or Intuitive Eating approach?

    Yes. We integrate Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating principles when appropriate, focusing on sustainable well-being and body acceptance rather than weight-based outcomes.

  • How do I know if my loved one has an eating disorder?

    Warning signs can include significant weight changes, obsessive focus on food, secretive eating, frequent dieting, or avoiding meals with others. A professional evaluation is the best next step if you suspect a loved one is struggling.

  • Can I do OCD or eating disorder therapy virtually in NJ?

    Yes. We offer virtual therapy sessions for OCD, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders across all of New Jersey.

  • Do you offer virtual therapy across all of New Jersey?

    Yes. Whether you live in Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, or beyond, our licensed clinicians provide online therapy statewide.

  • What makes Clear Light Therapy different from other therapy practices in NJ?

    At Clear Light Therapy, we specialize in OCD and eating disorder treatment using ERP, CBT, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). We offer both in-person and virtual sessions, providing compassionate, evidence-based, and highly personalized care.

  • How do I know which therapist at Clear Light Therapy is the best fit for me?

    During your initial consultation, we’ll learn about your needs, goals, and preferences, then match you with the therapist best suited to your situation.

  • Do you provide therapy in-person in Bergen County and virtually across NJ?

    Yes. Clients can visit us in-person at our Englewood, NJ office or attend virtual therapy sessions anywhere in New Jersey.

  • Do you take insurance for OCD or eating disorder treatment in NJ?

    We are an out-of-network provider. Many clients use their out-of-network benefits for reimbursement.

  • How can I prepare for my first therapy session?

    Some helpful tips include:

    Write down your concerns, fears, and goals

    Be open about your symptoms and history

    Ask questions about ERP, ACT, or your personalized treatment plan
    Preparing in this way can make your first session more productive and set the stage for progress.

  • Can family members be involved in treatment?

    Yes. Family support can be an important part of recovery. With your consent, therapists can educate and involve family members to create a supportive home environment.

  • What makes virtual therapy effective?

    Research shows virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions. Clients benefit from the same evidence-based treatments, flexibility, and privacy from home.

  • Can therapy help with other anxiety disorders too?

    Absolutely. ERP, ACT, and CBT techniques are effective for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and other related conditions.

  • Why do my anxiety and panic attacks get worse when I try to push them away?

    Trying to push anxiety away or force yourself to “calm down” often backfires because the brain interprets avoidance as a sign that the situation is threatening. Over time, this reinforces the fear and can make panic attacks and chronic worry worse. Therapies like ACT and ERP teach clients to face anxiety safely, accept uncomfortable sensations, and respond differently, which reduces intensity and frequency over time.

  • Are breathing exercises or mindfulness enough to manage panic attacks?

    Breathing exercises and mindfulness can provide temporary relief, but they rarely address the underlying patterns that maintain anxiety. While helpful as coping tools, long-term relief usually requires evidence-based therapy such as CBT, ACT, or ERP, which help you change thought patterns, manage avoidance, and reduce panic responses permanently.

  • How can therapy help high-achieving professionals or busy parents manage anxiety?

    High-achieving adults and busy parents often face chronic stress, overwork, and constant worry, which can worsen panic and anxiety. Therapy provides structured, practical strategies to manage stress, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and regain balance. By using CBT, ACT, ERP, and DBT-informed techniques, clients learn to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and strengthen relationships—all while continuing to meet professional and family demands.

  • Where do you provide therapy in Bergen County, NJ?

    We offer in-person therapy sessions in Englewood, NJ, as well as secure virtual sessions for clients throughout Bergen County. This flexibility allows adults, teens, and parents to access professional anxiety and panic treatment without long wait times.

  • Which towns do you serve?

    We work with clients across Bergen County, including Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Ramsey, Englewood, Tenafly, Englewood Cliffs, Alpine, Ho-Ho-Kus, Woodcliff Lake, Haworth, Cresskill, and Demarest.

  • How do I know if I need therapy for anxiety or panic?

    If your worry, panic attacks, or stress interfere with daily life, such as work, school, sleep, or relationships, therapy can help. Common signs include constant worrying, avoidance behaviors, physical symptoms like racing heart, insomnia, or difficulty focusing. A professional assessment can determine the best treatment plan, often combining CBT, ACT, ERP, or DBT-informed strategies for lasting relief.

  • What types of eating disorders do you treat?

    We provide therapy for a variety of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and other disordered eating behaviors. Our approach addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of eating, helping clients regain a healthier relationship with food.

  • How do I know if I or my child need therapy for an eating disorder?

    Signs that therapy may be helpful include: restricting food, binge eating, purging, obsessive thoughts about food or weight, body dissatisfaction, anxiety around meals, and changes in mood or energy. If these behaviors interfere with daily life, school, work, or relationships, professional support is highly recommended.

  • Can therapy help with underlying issues like anxiety or perfectionism?


    Absolutely. Eating disorders often coexist with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or stress. Our therapy approach addresses these underlying emotional and cognitive patterns to support lasting recovery and overall mental health.